Christening and naming day, dressing a baby for the ceremony
From the long white gown to a simple ivory romper: how to dress a baby for a christening or naming ceremony, keep them warm and look after an heirloom.
Interactive tool
Occasion Dress Code
Pick the occasion and the season. The dress code suggests pieces, fabrics and colours, and what to leave at home.
Dressed for the day, comfortable for hours
Special occasions last longer than we think: the ceremony, the photographs, the meal, the speeches. The best occasion wear for children looks considered and still lets them sit, run and nap. Natural fabrics, a soft lining under tulle and shoes worn in at home make the difference.
Children in the ceremony, such as flower girls and page boys, usually echo the wedding palette rather than the bridal gown, as our guide to dressing children for a wedding explains. For a baby’s big day, read our christening guide; for velvet and tartan, the festive season story.
A plan for later
Pack a change of clothes, a cardigan and a quiet activity. When the official part is over, a comfortable outfit keeps the rest of the day happy.
Questions
Should children wear white to a wedding?
Children in the procession often wear white or ivory, and many couples choose it. Guests’ children are better in soft colours from the wedding palette or classic navy, so the bride stays the only one in white. If in doubt, ask the couple.
How do I keep a toddler comfortable in formal clothes?
Choose soft natural fabrics, a cotton lining under tulle, elasticated or adjustable waists and shoes with flexible soles that have been worn indoors before the day. Dress them at the last moment and plan a change after the photographs.
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Stories that go with this tool
Flower girls and page boys, dressing children for a wedding
How to choose children for the procession, dress them in harmony with the wedding and plan the day so that young attendants feel safe, comfortable and proud.
Velvet, tartan and dressing children for the festive season
The fabrics of festive childrenswear, from velvet and corduroy to tartan, the history behind them, and how to dress children for long celebrations indoors and out.